1971-1976 Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado Convertible

The 1971-1976 Cadillac
Fleetwood Eldorado Convertible was once judged "a dubious collectible
at best." But it looks better now that opinions have settled with the
dimming memories of 1976's "last convertible" farce.

The 1971-1976 Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado Convertible is big and impressive, but Cadillac's second series of personal-luxury front drivers suffers against its 1967-70 forebearer for hulkier styling and no-progress mechanicals. Still, not appreciably heavier despite appearances, this series always outsold the first generation.

The convertible, the first open-air Eldo since '66, boasted an easy-as-pie power top that stowed beneath the traditional rigid cover. With the possible exception of the genuine, all-white "last-convertibles" (only 199 built, plus one that Cadillac kept) -- the ones bid to absurd levels when new -- a '76 has no real edge over a 1971-75 either in monetary or interest value.

Indeed, the '71 may ultimately be the most desired of these cars as first of the line and fewest in number. Collectors won't likely take any of these cars very seriously for some years yet, but interest is growing.Pluses of the 1971-1976 Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado Convertible:

The 1973-1977 Pontiac Grand Prix had little performance gains due to strict emissions standards. As a result, GM turned to luxury as a selling point for the Grand Prix. Learn more about the 1973-1977 Pontiac Grand Prix.

The 1967-1977 NSU Ro80's twin-chamber rotary engine gave it a poor reputation. But that was only half of the problems that plagued the front-wheel drive NSU Ro80. Read more about this glorious failure of the late 60s.